Get involved

IEC TC 49 outreach event in Singapore for increased participation

By Claire Marchand

With the rapid growth of manufacturing of electronic devices in South East Asia, IEC TC (Technical Committee) 49: Piezoelectric, dielectric and electrostatic devices and associated materials for frequency control, selection and detection, has embarked on a pro-active outreach programme to IEC NCs (National Committees) and manufacturers in the region to inform them of the benefits of participating in IEC work.

Participants in the TC 49 seminar. To view full group, click on image.

Piezoelectricity is the charge that accumulates in certain solid materials (notably crystals, certain ceramics and biological matter such as bone) in response to applied mechanical stress. Piezoelectricity is found in applications such as the production and detection of sound, generation of high voltages, generation of electrical signals with specified frequencies, microbalances and ultrafine focusing of optical assemblies. It also acts as an ignition source for cigarette lighters and push-start propane barbecues.

Key components

Piezoelectric, dielectric and electrostatic devices for frequency control, selection and detection, such as resonators, filters, oscillators and sensors, are key components in various pieces of electrical equipment. A quartz clock uses piezoelectricity, as does any cigarette lighter without a flint, and the charge that is generated is converted into an electrical frequency signal. Medical ultrasound devices create high-frequency acoustic vibrations using piezoelectric crystals. Piezoelectric devices are used in vehicles to control engines and audio systems and in aircraft attitude control systems. Loudspeakers use piezoelectricity to convert incoming electricity to sound.

Indispensable for communications

Rapidly evolving technologies and the spread of broadband and mobile communications have increased the need for higher frequency devices. Mobile phones are a good example. They require electrical components such as TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillators), quartz resonators and SAW (surface acoustic wave) filters and duplexers. These are used for frequency control and selection.

In broadband high-end communication systems, a variety of frequency control and selection devices including VCXO (voltage-controlled crystal oscillators) or OCXO (oven-controlled crystal oscillators), dielectric filters and SAW filters are utilized as components. They offer attributes such as low noise, frequency stability, low loss and small size.

Making life easier

New technological developments have also brought better human-interface methods. As a result, wireless radio applications and sensing systems have become much more important in applications such as automobiles, robots or home automation. In short, the electronic industry cannot meet today’s needs and expand into the future without piezoelectric, dielectric and electrostatic devices for frequency control, selection and detection.

TC 49 regional outreach

The IEC TC 49 portfolio of publications plays an essential role in the B2B (business to business) commerce of piezoelectric devices, for example specifying standardized packaging and test methods for evaluating ageing.

The Singapore event brought together a total of 30 participants from IEC NCs and manufacturers from China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

The event was organized by the Japanese Mirror Committee of IEC TC 49, supported by METI, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and hosted by the IEC-APRC (Asia Pacific Regional Centre).

Keeping pace with changing market demands

The technical and market environment in which IEC TC 49 operates was covered by its Secretary, Dr Toshihiro Kojima. In his presentation, he illustrated the multitude of applications of piezoelectric devices covering wired and wireless communications, multi-media equipment, personal computers and automotive electronics, with 50 to 60 applications of crystal devices in some high end models.

Dr Kojima then highlighted the evolution of activities since the creation of the technical committee in 1960.

Future developments

Finally, future potential applications for piezoelectric devices were identified in EVs (electric vehicles), new wireless communication systems such as Cognitive Mobile Communications and ITS (Intelligent Transport Systems), all of which will necessitate the use of IEC International Standards. Current and future potential developments strongly reinforce the need for increased participation in IEC TC 49 standardization work from South East Asian countries.

Challenges for the mobile communication market

The key note presentation was given by Kunihiro Kawai of NTT DoCoMo, the premier Japanese provider of leading-edge mobile voice, data and multimedia services. He illustrated the rapid growth of the mobile communication market, the current use of piezoelectric devices and NTT’s R&D vision addressing these future challenges. He concluded with the company’s expectations for piezoelectric, dielectric and MEMS (Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems).

IEC TC 49 has recently established a new WG (Working Group) 12: MEMS devices for frequency control, selection and detection. These new devices provide the potential for improved integration with other components in the product.

The IEC and International Standardization

The remainder of the presentations focused on several IEC-related issues. Shigeyasu Hatsuyama of METI talked about the role and need for global and national standardization. Lee Toon Huat, ofSPRING, the Singapore national standards and accreditation body that hosts the Singapore IEC NC, presented the structure of an IEC NC with its national mirror committees and criteria for participating directly in IEC technical committee and sub-committee work. Dennis Chew of IEC-APRC described the IEC structure and how it operates and finally Dr Michael Casson of IEC Central Office explained the development process for IEC International Standards and IEC deliverables.

A valuable experience

Amran Abdul Manaf from Malaysia found the seminar a very valuable experience: “The seminar was conducted at the IEC Asia-Pacific Regional Centre itself, where we can get a lot of information related to IEC activities, and also guidance on how to participate in developing International Standards for our own company's benefit”.

The participants obtained a clear overview of the current and future activities of IEC TC 49, showing the important role that IEC standardization plays in this market and the benefits of active participation.

Gallery

Participants in the TC 49 seminar. To view full group, click on image.

COPYRIGHT

AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD

ABOUT THE IEC

The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is the world’s leading organization that prepares and publishes International Standards for all electrical, electronic and related technologies. Close to 20 000 experts from industry, commerce, government, test and research labs, academia and consumer groups participate in IEC Standardization work.